Solid waste management has received increasing attention from researchers and decision makers, who are concerned about establishing sustainable waste management systems. The aim of the research was to improve a waste management system in Makkah, which has experienced significant variations in the amount of waste generated. The research was based on simulations of the consequences of different waste management treatment options and technologies, i.e. incineration, MRF, AD, composting and MBT. The methodology used to analyse and evaluate the data was based on life cycle assessment (LCA) and specialist packages such as the EASEWASTE tool. Makkah was selected as a case study for this research because it is the holiest city in the Islamic world. In 2012, for example, more than 13 million pilgrims travelled to Makkah during religious periods to perform Hajj or Umrah. Therefore, substantial changes in the population of Makkah throughout the year lead to a highly unstable rate of waste generation and characterisation. Furthermore, the only disposal method used in Makkah is landfill, without gas collection or leachate treatment systems. To the best of the author’s knowledge, no LCA studies have been conducted on any aspect of waste management in relation to Saudi Arabia, or Makkah in particular. The research has provided an understanding of the existing system of Makkah’s waste management during pilgrimage (Hajj and Umrah) and non-pilgrimage time periods. It has also provided a comprehensive approach to evaluate the current strategy of waste management used in Makkah, as well as the alternatives, by applying LCA methodology during different periods of pilgrimage.